Frequently Asked Questions

Applying

When can I apply?

Application dates vary depending on the market location. All application opening and closing dates are posted here. You will only be able to apply for the markets within these dates, via the 'Apply links that will appear next to each city once applications open. Our applications for each market are open for approximately 4 weeks.

How do I apply?

The application form can be accessed by the 'Apply Now' button which will be visible only once applications have been open.

If you don't already have an existing account with Finders Keepers, you'll be prompted to set one up once you start the application process. (Please note, you won't be able to set up an account outside of the application open times).

When completing the application form you'll be required to share some business details, product images and necessary documentation. We'd suggest preparing these details before you start the application process. We also highly recommend you apply from a desktop computer and not a smartphone or tablet.

We cannot accept applications via post.

Do I have to apply each time?

Yes, you do need to apply for each market you wish to attend. If you applied for a Finders Keepers markets in our SS17 season or any market since, you'll already have a user login. You will need to login to your account to complete an application for an upcoming event. Your details will be pre-saved and this will help streamline the process for you.

When will I get my application result?

We receive a LOT of applications to process. Please be patient with us; we thoroughly process each application individually giving each the time it deserves.

We endeavour to have responded to all applicants two (2) weeks after the applications closing date. During peak times however, it may take longer, sometimes three (3) or four (4) weeks. Once your FK account has been activated you can log in at any stage to view the progress of your application.

Once the results are ready we will send you an email notifying you. To view your results you will need to log into your Finders Keepers Online Portal, so be sure to note down the email address and password you set in your application.

Please note we review all applications we receive so if you have not received an email from us after four (4) weeks of the application closing date, we suggest you log into your FK Online Portal to see if your result is available. You can email us if you have any trouble logging in.

Feedback

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual feedback on your application results. To get a broader understanding of the criteria our curators use to assess applications, be sure to read the application criteria.

Who can apply for the Markets?

The Finders Keepers markets are for independent and/or emerging designers and artists from Australia.

By this, we mean your product must be designed and produced by you. We do not accept submissions from agents or wholesalers. Whilst we prefer applicants to be at least 18 years of age, there is no age limit to apply for the markets.

Please check our stallholder criteria document for a clear understanding of what we're looking for in applications.

Can my products be produced overseas?

We support Australian made, locally sourced and ethically produced items. There are many factors that influence the curation of our markets however we do prioritise applications that support these values, and designers who advocate those principles.

We do ask applicants to explain their design and production processes as a part of the application and we definitely do take into consideration where products are made. Our priority is always ethical production, and we do reject a large number of designers as a result of their products being sourced and/or produced overseas, particularly when mass production is apparent.

Having said that, there are many designers who participate in Finders Keepers events who source overseas to other small businesses, and in many cases they are in fact regularly visiting their teams to ensure appropriate workplace conditions and pay rates.

Can we apply as a collective or group?

Yes! We do accept collaborations. Please be aware that when applying as a collaboration you will need:

A collective name

One application form including all details of the product/s you intend to sell.

One nominated point of contact for all correspondence

You will also need to ensure that the look of your stall is cohesive, and that there is no 'separation' of stalls within the allocated space.

A good example of this is found here, from our Melbourne AW15 event: https://instagram.com/p/5RHceBx2i9/ Note that the two brands are working in harmony and fully sharing the space together.

If you wish to maintain entirely separate spaces, they will need to be applied for and booked separately as well.

I was a stallholder at the last markets. Can I apply again?

You are more than welcome to submit an application to be included in another Finders Keepers!

Please note however, that participation in previous markets does not guarantee selection a second or even third time. We prefer the markets to appear fresh to our customers, and we like to offer unique and new experiences with each event. It's therefore super important, in your application, to show how your work is developing, and to show the new products or designs you're creating.

I want to apply for all of the markets (ie. Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide). What are my chances of getting into all of them?

Many stallholders apply for all of our market locations in our event seasons, and indeed we encourage you to apply for all of the events you wish to participate in. Each market is given separate consideration when applications are assessed, based on the criteria previously mentioned.

I want to apply for all of the markets at the same time. Can I use the one application form for all 4 cities?

Unfortunately at this time, this is not an option within the application process.

Can I send product samples to support my submission?

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to accept any samples. All applications are reviewed based upon the criteria as outlined here.

Can I change my application once it's submitted?

Unfortunately once your application has been submitted, no alterations can be made. If you would like to update an application, please re-submit your entire application and advise us via email that you would like us to cancel your previous application.

I got in! What next?

Once the application results are a available we will notify you by email. To view the results simply log into your Finders Keeper Online Portal and click 'the results are in'

If your application is successful you will gain access to an online event dashboard which will provide you with all the necessary details regarding payments, and other essential event information.

One of the images from your application will be chosen to announce your involvement in the markets through our media channels, and we will also provide you with promotional tips and collateral to help with your own marketing efforts.

As the event date approaches, we will upload very important information to your online event dashboard. This includes such details as stall allocation, floor plans, bump-in and bump-out process and other details. It is a condition of inclusion as a stallholder to the Finders Keepers that you read, understand and comply with the provided information.

What if I have to cancel my application?

If you need to cancel your application before approval stage, you may email us to let us know and we will remove your application from our database.

Once an offer to participate in the markets is sent cancellation fees begin to apply.

If offered a position you will have 7 days to accept this offer. If your offer is not accepted by this time it will be withdrawn and offered to a stallholder on the waitlist.

To accept your offer you will be required to pay a 20% deposit. This deposit is non-refundable. Any cancellations made following acceptance of the offer will forfeit the 20% deposit fee.

Should you cancel between 6 weeks and 3 weeks prior to our event, this will result in a forfeiture of 50% of the stall fees paid by the stallholder. If your stall fees have not been paid you will still be liable to pay 50%.

Cancellations occurring less than three weeks prior, stall fees are non-refundable.

Should you choose not to comply with our cancellation terms, your future applications for stalls at the Finders Keepers will not be considered.

Your Stall

What can I sell at the Markets?

Under the design + art category:

Designed product including:

Wellbeing & Beauty

Ceramics

Candles

Children / Toys

Design / Art

Fashion / Accessories

Food / Beverages

For Him

Jewellery

Pet Accessories

Plants

Publications

Stationery / Books

Store / Gallery

Textiles / Homewares

Price ranges are considered in the application process.

NB: Food products cannot be sold under the Art and Design category. For food stall information please click here.

Please note: We allow candles and beauty products if the majority are design oriented, the business is independently run and we feel that the products are the right fit for events.

How much is a stall? What is included in that fee?

For the fees outlined, Stallholders receive three (3) days stall hire. Stall prices vary and can be found on the Apply Page under each city heading.

In addition, as a Stallholder you will also receive:

1 x optional markets promo pack - a bundle of marketing collateral to help you promote your involvement in the markets and some helpful tips and guides for you as a stallholder;

1 x temporary event line-up listing for the duration of the selected market;

Inclusion in the Line-Up announcement blog post;

Inclusion in the Finders Keepers smartphone app (for selected event), allowing shoppers to read up about you which also includes a link to your chosen website;

The opportunity to access a 1 x permanent web design directory profile (attracts a small fee) - on our popular website which drives traffic to your chosen website;

The opportunity to access benefits that our sponsors and partners provide; and

Access to the Finders Keepers exclusive seller newsletter which includes links to educational blog posts and helpful updates on application opening and closing dates so you never miss out.

In addition, Finders Keepers have extensive advertising, marketing, media, public relations and social media campaigns running all year to a massive following reaching millions of people around the country and the world! All of our stallholders have equal opportunities to be featured amongst these campaigns.

What is the Debut Stall?

If you're new to the Finders Keepers we welcome you to apply for a debut stall which is our entry point stall. It's a one time opportunity for new and startup businesses at a cheaper subsidised price. You'll find it in the price list on our Apply page. This can only be used once in one city. Due to the size of the stall, chairs are the only furniture that can be hired from Finders Keepers.

Will I be featured on the Finders Keepers Social Media?

The Finders Keepers seasonally creates a fully integrated marketing campaign for our events (see more here). The Finders Keepers social media channels are an integral part of this campaign. Features are chosen as the discretion of our marketing team, with content selected from our website and blog. Put your best foot forward and capture the attention of our marketing team by ensuring your directory profile is updated with your latest images. Be sure to also use your own social media channels to post relevant market preparation content to our hashtags found here.

Will my stall come with furniture / walls?

No. When you arrive at the venue you will find the dimensions of your stall space marked out on the floor with with tape. You can then construct your stall within these parameters. Trestle tables, clothing racks and chairs are available for hire at additional cost. We highly encourage stallholders to create their own unique and interesting displays for their allocated space. For ideas, have a look through our galleries of past events, or attend your local markets for inspiration.

Do I need Public Liability Insurance?

Market Stall Public Liability insurance is mandatory for all stallholders. This is the responsibility of the applicant/stallholder and not the Finders Keepers.

Do I need EFTPOS/Credit Card facilities?

It is not compulsory, although we highly recommend having these facilities for keen shoppers. The Finders Keepers provides ATM services at each event for visitors. Please note however that they often run out of cash due to the high volume of use.

Two of the most popular payment gateways at the market are Square reader and PayPal Here with our stallholders at our events. You can also organise your own mobile EFTPOS facilities via your bank.

Can I access power at my stall?

Yes, for an additional cost. As powered sites have limited availability, stallholder applications need to clearly state it as a requirement. All Finders Keepers venues are heritage listed buildings, and therefore powered sites are only available to stalls where it is essential for their display, e.g. lighting products. NB: There is an additional fee for power set up and supply.

Where can I hang my sign? What if I need to hang artwork?

Due to all venues restrictions and some being heritage listed, stallholders must not use any walls or columns for this purpose. In addition, no walls or dividers are included in your stall set-up.

If stallholders have a requirement to display artwork or signage, free standing walls or easels will need to be used in your display, subject to our approval and stallholder guidelines which will be found in your stallholder manual.

Can I choose my stall position?

Floor plans are created by the Finders Keepers team based on several criteria. These include, but are not limited to, the size of the stall, the category of products and specific requests within your applications.

We endeavour to allocate sites fairly based on stallholder needs. For example, clothing stalls are placed near a change room. We also rotate the floor plan at events to keep it fresh for shoppers.

Please include requests for placement in your application form. These will always be considered seriously, however we cannot guarantee that all requests will be filled.

Logistics

Can I trade for one day only?

No. Stallholders MUST trade for all hours across all opening days, and be available for all the trading times as stated.

I am applying from interstate, can I courier my stock to the venue?

No. Unfortunately our venue partners are not in a position to accept any deliveries destined for stallholders. Our staff cannot take responsibility for your deliveries, and cannot sign for it on your behalf.

Is there Wi-Fi access?

No. Unfortunately we are not able to provide internet access to our stallholders. If you require Internet access for your own purposes, we strongly suggest you bring along your own connectivity solution, which you've tested beforehand.

Can I bring my dog / cat / ferret / rat?

No. Unfortunately all of our market venues prohibit the entry of pets, therefore we cannot allow anyone, including stallholders, to bring any animals or domestic pets to our events.

Visitors

Who can attend the Market?

Anyone! All are welcome, with entry at just $5! Children under 12 are absolutely free. Unfortunately, as much as we love our furry friends, pets are not permitted in any of our event venues.

How do visitors know about the Markets?

At the Finders Keepers we engage and invest in extensive public relations, marketing and advertising campaigns to ensure appropriate media coverage and large audiences attend our events.

We have an annual schedule of media releases announcing our event dates which support us in receiving a variety of organic and paid coverage. You'll often hear and see us splashed across papers, street press, magazines, radio and online.

Finders Keepers also have a highly engaged online community of followers who we communicate to regularly via our website, newsletters and social media.

We distribute our event flyers throughout city hotspots prior to our events. In 2018 we are further increasing our advertising and marketing efforts, to ensure major growth and to support our stallholders in their commercial endeavours.

Our loyal community of visitors often enhance our marketing efforts further through their own social media networks, word of mouth, and stallholders benefit from the additional exposure that brings. This can lead to future sales online, wholesale opportunities and media exposure for sellers and their brands. This further enhances our ability to reach our goals of connecting and empowering the creative community in their own business endeavours.

Miscellaneous Questions

I am hosting a market/event/workshop/pop-up shop. Can the Finders Keepers curate our event for us?

Sorry, no. Unfortunately we do not take on any other similar or smaller events due to lack of time, resources and potential conflict of interest.

Can you please email your stallholder database for a shout-out or promotion?

No. We strictly adhere to our privacy policy and do not email our stallholder database with third party information or requests, unless via a sponsorship or partnership.

Do you guys accept work experience placements, volunteers or internships?

As we don't have a traditional office set-up, we are unable to take any placements for most of the calendar year. We do accept students of event management for volunteer work from time to time depending on needs of events. Please contact us if you are interested.

Does The Finders Keepers accept paid editorial on their blog or social media channels?

No we don't. It's very important to us to provide original content on our blog. We spend a lot of time procuring content in order to showcase the sellers featured at our markets and other like-minded small businesses. These are chosen at our discretion. We also only post original social media content, we largely use all of our own event photos and materials or photos supplied to us for marketing material from sellers. If you wish to advertise we accept advertising on our website and on our newsletter only. We take pride in attributing our sources at all times, and endeavour to lead by example when it comes to sharing content with transparency.

How many people attend the markets?

Our markets are attended in the tens of thousands at each event.

You haven't answered my question!

For any further information regarding applications or our events - please contact us.

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